germany is russia's's largest trading partner in the eu. they have more economic interest in the u.s. and its owing to be hard to pressure russia and a major way unless the europeans are willing to play. host: let me share what jack lew told members of congress when it came to sanctions and at russia and the wealthy individuals linked to president putin. [video clip] >> if you look at the impact on russia's economy, it is misleading to look at what happens day by day. you have to look over the period of time since russia went into crimea and since we have imposed sanctions. there has been a substantial deterioration in rush's already weak economy. we see and the stock exchange on the exchange rate. they were downgraded to one notch above junk. what the rationale on the bond rating was in part with sanctions. how do we proceed in a careful way? president clinton has acknowledged -- resident pu -- president putin has a knowledge of the sanctions are creating pressure. we need to keep our options open. we are prepared to take more action and w